CMV assures trade ASTOR‘s Australian season is secure.
Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) Holdings have confirmed owners of its chartered MS ASTOR cruise ship, Premicon Hochseeschiff GmbH & Co. KG MS Astor have declared insolvency in Germany.
The 600-passenger vessel is due to commence its second season in Australian waters next month, with CMV assuring the trade ASTOR‘s “operation and continuation…is secure”.
Chairman and ceo of CMV Holdings Christian Verhounig said: “The liquidation concerns the ownership company of ASTOR and have no ramifcations for Cruise & Maritime Voyages, or ASTOR, which is under a long-term bareboat charter to CMV”.
“CMV has complete management of the vessel, including all operational and management functions,” Verhounig added.
ASTOR is currently enroute to Western Australia and expected to arrive on 13 Dec.
A spokesperson for CMV told Cruise Weekly that prior to applying for insolvency, Premicon has held “extensive discussions” with CMV and that part of the proceedings would enable the cruise line to maintain its charter.
“The reason for this announcement is to ensure our travel partners and guests [are aware] the cruises are secured for ASTOR‘s Australian season. CMV is not affected by the problems of the vessel’s owners”.
“CMV monies are secured as it was in the past and remains as such,” Verhounig said.
For more details, see Tue’s issue of Cruise Weekly.